Towing a 303 RLS with a GMC 2500

Starting in 2020, the 3500 has the 12" rear axle vs 11.5" in the 2500 on the diesel. Use to be the same in prior years for the diesels. Also there are some programing differences for the tranny between the two now.
Per GM Max Trailering Package for a 2500
  • 3500 HD Frame
  • 3500 HD Leaf Springs
  • 12" Rear axle
  • 3500 HD Shock Package
  • Gooseneck / 5th Wheel Prep provisions
  • Bed stamped holes with caps installed
  • May require additional optional equipment
It also raises the GVWR to 11,900
 
"A diesel drivetrain will lower the payload of a truck by 400 - 700 lbs. A diesel drivetrain will lower the payload of a truck by 400 - 700 lbs."

That is exactly why I went with gas - plus the difference in fuel cost.
 
"A diesel drivetrain will lower the payload of a truck by 400 - 700 lbs. A diesel drivetrain will lower the payload of a truck by 400 - 700 lbs."

That is exactly why I went with gas - plus the difference in fuel cost.
Comments about fuel savings from a gas engine to a diesel always make me smile. I've had both pulling here in CO and the argument for which engine to get is not even related to fuel mileage if a person really understands the true differences between the two engines. Not to mention, my D-Max will get better fuel economy over gas any day pulling a 12K wind blocking box through the mountains. One should consider the multitude of advantages that a diesel offers before thinking that fuel economy is somehow the main decision factor. If you want a much easier, less stressful, and quieter towing experience with an engine that will run circles around a gas engine for performance at any altitude including sea level, higher resale value, and longer engine life (because they make power at much lower RPMs) and the whole safety features of an exhaust brake vs engine brake---give diesel a second look! After having many trucks in the last 40 years and working for GM on many makes and models---the diesels ROCK and do not disappoint!
 
Comments about fuel savings from a gas engine to a diesel always make me smile. I've had both pulling here in CO and the argument for which engine to get is not even related to fuel mileage if a person really understands the true differences between the two engines. Not to mention, my D-Max will get better fuel economy over gas any day pulling a 12K wind blocking box through the mountains. One should consider the multitude of advantages that a diesel offers before thinking that fuel economy is somehow the main decision factor. If you want a much easier, less stressful, and quieter towing experience with an engine that will run circles around a gas engine for performance at any altitude including sea level, higher resale value, and longer engine life (because they make power at much lower RPMs) and the whole safety features of an exhaust brake vs engine brake---give diesel a second look! After having many trucks in the last 40 years and working for GM on many makes and models---the diesels ROCK and do not disappoint!
I agree that a diesel pulls better, and maybe gets better mileage (alright - it gets better mileage). But I went with gas for a variety of reasons, overall cost associated being one of them. Fuel in my area is way high, and limited availability in town, as in one station with tight access. Starting September 29th that station will increase in sales by a bunch, as one of the more popular filling stations, and the busiest in town, leaves. The next place to get fuel is 20 miles away, not huge but... Then there's the payload thing. I can pull 14000 lbs with a payload of 2688 (door sticker on MY truck). Same truck with a Duramax can pull 13500. I have no desire to go to a 1 ton truck. My reasoning may not hold water with a lot of people, but it's me. All of my in-laws pull with diesels.
 
Your "max tow package" does NOT make your truck "the same as a 3500 truck", your payload (which is the important number) will be much lower.

The main difference between your situation and the OPs is the drivetrain. A diesel drivetrain will lower the payload of a truck by 400 - 700 lbs. That's why I have often advised to skip the 3/4-ton trucks if someone is looking to go diesel. Go straight for the 1-tons and be done with it.

Rob
And that is why buying a 2024 chev, 2500 diesel will get you the same as a 1 one ton with max towing package
 
And that is why buying a 2024 chev, 2500 diesel will get you the same as a 1 one ton with max towing package
As many have noted---there are two important numbers for towing---the towing capacity and the cargo capacity. While you can get the Max tow package and help the towing capacity numbers, the true 1-ton rating will be the only thing that helps and addresses the cargo capacity. This is why I chose the 1-ton for my new GMC. It has the larger towing capacity like the 2500 with the Max Towing package BUT it also has 3865 lbs of cargo capacity (with the D-Max diesel and long bed) which is way more than the 2500 even with the Max Towing package. It all depends on what you are trying to safely tow AND haul in your truck. For me, I didn't want any concerns with towing my 303RLS and having my heavy Yamaha 6500 generator, extra fuel or water if needed, firewood, propane, LiP04 battery bank, and a host of other things in the basement compartment of my camper that ate up cargo capacity. All of this must be realized and accounted for to do the math correctly and choose the right truck. There is more to picking a truck then how much it's rated to pull per the sticker or what the sales team tells you.
 
As many have noted---there are two important numbers for towing---the towing capacity and the cargo capacity. While you can get the Max tow package and help the towing capacity numbers, the true 1-ton rating will be the only thing that helps and addresses the cargo capacity. This is why I chose the 1-ton for my new GMC. It has the larger towing capacity like the 2500 with the Max Towing package BUT it also has 3865 lbs of cargo capacity (with the D-Max diesel and long bed) which is way more than the 2500 even with the Max Towing package. It all depends on what you are trying to safely tow AND haul in your truck. For me, I didn't want any concerns with towing my 303RLS and having my heavy Yamaha 6500 generator, extra fuel or water if needed, firewood, propane, LiP04 battery bank, and a host of other things in the basement compartment of my camper that ate up cargo capacity. All of this must be realized and accounted for to do the math correctly and choose the right truck. There is more to picking a truck then how much it's rated to pull per the sticker or what the sales team tells you.
Amen to "what the salesman tells you!" I will have to tell you that the salesman did tell me, upfront, that he did not know much about the truck I was looking at.

I had known up front about towing specs on the 2024 HD Silverado Duramax crew cab/long bed with max tow package. And knew it was plenty for the 303rls 5th wheel, and there was wiggle room. We drove through the Smokey mountains this summer and it preformed well. I hope to make it out west someday and feel it will have no problems, as long as able to make such a trip
 

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